In part one, we talked about the potential inherent in having more people working from home (WFH) to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Many of you reading this email may have migrated to WFH during the pandemic and though you may have returned to the office to some extent many are still doing their jobs from home at least some of the time.
An idea that is generating a lot of buzz in the corporate world these days is the 4-day work week. According to the 4 Day Week Global organizations moving to working four days per week, while still being paid for working five, has many benefits for both the employee and employer.
Such potential benefits include increased employee productivity, improved employee wellbeing, “a better distribution of caring responsibilities between mothers and fathers” and reduced emissions “through reduced commuting and reduced energy use”.
4 Day Week Global just completed a study of 900 workers employed at 33 companies who embarked on a shorter work week over a 6-month trial period. Although emissions were not one of the outcomes tracked in this short study there were many benefits for both employees and employers.
Why not share this study at your workplace. Increased productivity, happier workers and lower emissions - it could be a win-win for everyone and the planet.